Based on more than 25 years experience helping leading organizations develop and implement knowledge management (KM) strategies, we have identified numerous best practices for designing an effective KM strategy.
The KM strategy should balance people, process, and technology concerns.
Each element needs enablers and capabilities to help critical knowledge move throughout the organization.
The KM strategy should contribute to overall organizational goals.
Focus on supporting the flow of critical information and expertise through business processes, and balance immediate and long-term needs. The strategy should clearly articulate the relationship between KM activities and bottom-line objectives.
The KM strategy should be timely.
It should include key activities sequenced to build capabilities that will enhance the overall infrastructure and demonstrate organizational value “sooner, rather than later.”
The KM strategy should leverage common processes and technology.
By leveraging a common knowledge flow process and enabling the process using standard IT tools, KM should support collaboration within and among business units and functions.
The KM strategy should transform the perception and value of KM.
If successful, the strategy will yield tangible results, reduce redundancy and duplication of effort (and investment), and enhance competitiveness.
